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When is a by-election for a GRC called?

A by-election for a GRC is required under the law only if all MPs for that GRC vacate their seats.

During the Second Reading of the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill in Parliament on 6th February 2017, Minister Chan Chun Sing said that there is no need to hold a by-election for a GRC if a member of the team resigns. He was replying to a query from MP Pritam Singh.

The Parliamentary Elections Act states that a Writ of Election shall be issued only if all the MPs for the GRC have vacated their seats. If only one of the MPs vacates his/her seat, the needs of residents in the GRC would continue to be served by the remaining members in the GRC team.